How the Republicans lost my vote

Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesMitt Romney speaks to supporters during a campaign event at a bandshell in Davenport, Iowa.

Years ago, I could vote Republican and I often did. But now, except for local politics, I can’t.

I’m on Social Security and Medicare. I’m on a pension (cut by Gov. Chris Christie). I was an American worker and union member. I’m an environmentalist, and Richard Nixon was the last Republican who was concerned.

I care about women, minorities, civil liberties and the 47 percent dismissed by the GOP. I taught U.S. history for 36 years and care about public schools.

I’m not rich enough. I’m middle class — one of the 99 percent, not the top 1 percent. I know supply-side economics, endless tax breaks for the rich, deregulation and trickle-down economics took us into the Great Recession.

Sadly, I can no longer vote Republican — not since the party was captured by extremists whose fear and hatred show no regard for history, truth, science, fairness or civility.